Tom Pietrasik Video & Photography

Lipa Ghosh, age 12 is from Lutia village in Norail District, 300k from Dhaka. With little land, Lipa's family are supported by the TAK3-4,000 (£23 - £31) per-month earnings of her father who works as a labourer on other people's land. While studying at school in Grade 5, Lipa began to experience difficulty seeing the blackboard. Her mother Kripa noticed that Lipa was holding books closer to her face as she read. The sight in both eyes had began to deteriorate as a result of cataracts. After an 8-hour, TAK1,000 bus fare, Lipa and her mother arrived at Islamia Eye Hospital on October 2nd. The hospital performed free surgery on one her eyes on October 4th and Lipa left the hospital for home two days later. She will return at a later date for her remaining eye to be treated. With her sight restored, Lipa hope to realise her mother's ambition that she complete her education and earn enough to live independently of any future husband's income. ..Islamia Eye Hospital is an eye health facility offering comprehensive eye care and treatment in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Founded in October 1960 it is committed to providing affordable and high-quality services to its patients. Islamia subsidises the cost of treatment of poorer patients with income derived from those that can afford care. In an attempt to meet huge demand, Islamia has expanded its services into rural areas of Bangladesh. Recent investment in new operating-rooms and accommodation has allowed Islamia to attract wealthy Bangladeshi patients who might otherwise have travelled abroad for treatment. ..Photo: Tom Pietrasik.Dhaka, Bangladesh.October 7th 2012